mineral

Tumbled labradorite

Labradorite, a calcium-sodium feldspar; approximately (Ca,Na)(Al,Si)₄O₈

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark gray-green, rounded and polished, with blue-green iridescent flashes (labradorescence); Mohs hardness 6–6.5, vitreous luster, triclinic crystal structure, and two good cleavage directions. The pictured piece appears to be a small tumbled specimen, though lighting limits certainty.

Identified September 10, 2026More mineral →

Explore Tumbled labradorite in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in slowly cooled mafic igneous rocks such as gabbro, anorthosite, and basalt, generally in Precambrian to younger intrusive bodies. Major sources include Madagascar, Finland, Canada, Norway, and Russia.

Uses & applications

Used as a lapidary stone for cabochons, beads, carvings, and ornaments; also collected as a feldspar mineral. It has limited construction use compared with ordinary feldspar.

Geological facts

Its color flash results from light interference between microscopic lamellae produced by exsolution within the feldspar. Strong blue or multicolor labradorescence greatly increases desirability.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by gray body color, relatively low hardness, feldspar cleavage, and blue-green flashes when rotated under directional light; distinguish it from amazonite or dyed glass by its natural cleavage and optical flash.